Thubelihle Nkiwane, a Zimbabwean-born senior psychology major and passionate youth activist, has been selected to represent the voices of young people and Talladega College at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) Summit on September 18-19, 2023, in New York, NY. Nkiwane, a staunch advocate for gender equality and transformative education, will share critical perspectives and insights from both her lived experiences and her professional roles.
The UN SDG Summit will provide a platform for world leaders and issues advocates to carry out a comprehensive review of the state of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), respond to the impact of multiple and interlocking crises facing the world, and provide high-level political guidance on transformative and accelerated actions towards the target year of 2030.
Affectionately known as Thuba, Nkiwane's unique worldview has been shaped significantly by her experiences growing up in a country known for its authoritarian regime and human rights abuses. Now studying in the United States, she leverages her personal experience and academic knowledge to disrupt systemic structures of inequality and to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Little did Nkiwane know that a random Google search would lead her to Talladega College, a place she has called home for the past three years. "I found Talladega during my college search in Zimbabwe while looking specifically for HBCUs, and TC caught my attention," she said. "I'd always wanted (to attend) a small college, through which I could connect closely with my instructors and build a community, and Talladega was a great fit."
Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, 21st President of Talladega College, believes Nkiwane's participation in this prestigious event not only amplifies the voices of underrepresented communities but also showcases the bright, bold, and audacious spirit of Talladega College’s community of scholars.
"We are immensely proud of Thubelihle's selection to represent Talladega College and her home country at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Summit,” said Vincent. “Her unwavering commitment to disrupting inequalities and advocating for transformative education and gender equality is a testament to the extraordinary potential of our students."
As a Youth Advisory Board member for Plan International, a girls' rights organization, and an advocate on a global panel for education in emergencies, Nkiwane is at the forefront of policy research and advocacy. These positions have seen her regularly consult with policymakers and government officials, advocating for more inclusive and equitable policies that uplift marginalized populations, especially women and girls.
"The policy and advocacy space doesn't have as many people that look like me, nor does it have many coming from a place or institution like Talladega," said Nkiwane. "I feel honored to represent not only my home country but also the institution I attend. It's vital that organizations like the UN hear from individuals who are experts in their own lived experiences."
At the Summit, Nkiwane plans to highlight the importance of SDGs 4 and 5, focusing on transformative education and gender equality. She will advocate for increased action, funding, and commitment to ensure underrepresented communities have access to education and resources to thrive economically, socially, and politically, regardless of gender.
Nkiwane's passion for advocacy is deeply personal. After losing her mother at a young age due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure in her home country, she is determined to challenge and change the systems perpetuating inequality. "I was robbed of core memories and a loved one because of the unstable policies in my country at the time," said Nkiwane. "This story fuels my passion to speak up and challenge the inequalities that affect us every day, and I hope that my work every day levels the playing field for those who have been stripped of the opportunity to thrive and not be held captive by the system."
According to a study on catastrophic health disparities reported by the MercyTree International Foundation, impoverished and middle-income residents in Africa rely entirely on poorly funded public healthcare. Due to various reasons, including corruption at every level, medical services are not prioritized for the people.
"Even if you don't care about politics, politics definitely cares about you," she said, underlining the importance of policy frameworks in our daily lives.
Nkiwane's attendance at the UN SDG Summit is a continuation of the scholar's dedication to fostering transformative change on a large scale. This summer, she had the opportunity to represent Plan International at the White House, engaging with the White House Gender Policy Council on tech-facilitated gender-based violence and advocating for youth as primary stakeholders in policy and decision-making.
"I love leading productive dialogue and advocating for a seat at the table for people who historically have been left out and excluded from decisions that affect them, such as myself," she said. "I really enjoy engaging with policymakers on how to introduce robust policies that can uplift and empower young and marginalized populations."
Following her May 2024 graduation, Nkiwane has plans to pursue a master's degree in public policy and organizational leadership. In addition to her advocacy work, she is interested in industrial and organizational behavior, aiming to challenge how organizations interact with their human capital and foster inclusive, growth-oriented workplace cultures.
